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Frank Caruso, Vice President of Creative Services at King Features, has co-authored and illustrated a book with Bruce Springsteen. Published by Simon & Schuster, “Outlaw Pete” is a picture book that was inspired, word-for-word, from a ballad of the same name on Springsteen’s 2009 album, “Working on a Dream.”

“Outlaw Pete” is a modern legend of a career criminal who begins his life of crime by robbing a bank in his diapers. From then on, his sins only multiply and he becomes an outlaw, killer and a thief … one who “only slows down to sow his grief.”

Comics Kingdom interviewed Frank about his collaboration with Bruce Springsteen and asked who would win in a fight: Popeye or Outlaw Pete.

Here’s his diplomatic response:

“OK, that’s crazy. First of all, Popeye never likes to fight unless his back is up against the wall. And being he’s a sailor and primarily based at sea…and Pete is riding around out West in land locked states, I doubt
their paths would ever cross. I don’t know…we’ve seen what happens when Pete pulls a knife from his boot, but we’ve also seen what happens when Popeye pulls a can of spinach from his shirt…(look out!)….”

At King Features, Caruso is a masterful cartoonist who has upheld the mantle of Popeye, Betty Boop and other classic comic properties for more than two decades. He has contributed as a writer/cartoonist to various humor magazines and created the graphic novel “Heart Transplant” with Andrew Vachss covering the topic of bullying. Caruso won two Emmys for his work on the children’s safety show “SeeMore’s Playhouse.” He is a member of New York’s Society of Illustrators.

The show, which is free and open to the public, will premiere on September 5th, 2014 at Hero Complex Gallery (7-10pm PST) and runs through September 21st, 2014. The show is sponsored by Popeye Spinach and Popeye Energy Drinks.

The Hero Complex Gallery is located at 2020 South Robertson Blvd., Studio D, Los Angeles, Calif. 90034 (Hcgart.com) and is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. To see more artwork and get updates, go to: http://www.popeyeartshow.tumblr.com. Continue reading →

Frank Caruso, Vice President of Creative at King Features, collaborated with cartoonist Stephen DeStefano, on this special comic strip featuring Olive Oyl and Popeye checking into The Standard, Hollywood. In the strip, Popeye is dropping Olive off at The Standard where she reports to work as the hotel’s popular “box girl.” The comic strip is currently running on the homepage of The Standard’s Culture website at www.standardculture.com. Pretty cool, huh? To see more of what sassy Miss Olive Oyl is up to these days, check out OliveOylLoves.com.